Are people who enroll into a flying training school for the first time get into an aircraft with an instructor? Do you think they would be scared and nervous? What feelings did you have? Do they think that they are going to die? If they are scared, do they get used to it? Are pilots fearless and brave people? What would pilots be thinking about in an emergency situation - stress, fear or are they fearless?

I have this nervousness in myself. Would a person get over this after they have commenced their flying training?

Thank you for reading this. Your response will be very important to me because I am in High School and thinking about becoming a pilot.

Thank you,

John Bailey

Hi John,

If you have gone through my Site and read all those topics on 'Fear of Flying' and 'Safety', you would have gained a better knowledge and become more confident about flying. Why should you be scared? Are you scared of learning how to drive? Do you know that, it is safer to fly than to drive? Of course, most of the statistics quoted in my site are related to commercial airliners and the safety statistics for general aviation aircraft would be different. Nevertheless, a mechanic or engineer would still check and certify every airplane before it is allowed to fly. This is never a requirement when you drive your car. This is just an example as to how stringent the rules are, regarding the maintenance of airplanes.

Sure, you would be slightly tensed before your first flight but your instructor would explain and ensure that you would enjoy your first flight with him. That was how I felt. You would never be left off alone to fly the airplane until your instructor is very sure you are competent to do so.

I was sure I was not going to die for if I did, I would not have become a pilot. Pilots are human beings, just like you and me. We are not fearless but we develop courage and overcome our fears as we get to know more about flying. A pilot is trained to cope with all emergencies and should one ever develop, he would not have the time to be nervous except to carry out the drills as he was taught.

Don't worry, you would overcome all your nervousness and fear as you gain more knowledge and skills in handling the airplane! Meanwhile, read up as much as you can about flying.

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